Bakers World Again.

Today's been a rare time-out for Mom as she's been feeling unwell and weak for so long.

Taking her for a little car ride after lunch, Ric took us along the long winding lanes of Terrace houses after Braddell Road; finally reaching the little hideout of Bakers World Cakes Wholesales Office.

 Mango Cake (1 box $3.50, 3 for $10)

Durian Chocolate Cake (1 box $3.50, 3 for $10)

Durian Cake (1 box $3.50, 3 for $10)

All of their Cheese flavored cakes were sold out today, but we still have what we came for - the Durian!

Making a note from their Order Form, these are the ones i've yet laid hands on - Blueberry Cheese, Expresso Cheese, Strawberry Marsch, Mocca Cheese, Chocolate eclair, Royaltine and Blackforest Mousse Cake :)

Saizeriya Italian Restaurant

Saizeriya is a Japanese chain of Italian family-style restaurant that boosts of having over 800 branches in Japan.

Today, we were at its 1st local outlet in Liang Court, Singapore.

From its displayed menu, you would be surprised how incredibly low they have kept their prices. And being Lunch hours now, they have Set Lunches; double value for money.

Beef Hamburger Rice Set (6.98++)

Meaty thick slab of Grilled Beef Patty ladled with rich Demiglace sauce!

Lunch Soup - Vegetable Soup with Chicken Bacon Soup

The mildly peppery Soup-of-the-Day for us three.

Special Volume Set ($7.18++)

Being the most expensive Set on the Lunch Menu.

It is good and includes combination of almost everything. Spicy Sausage, Roast Pork, Chicken Wing, Sweet Corn & Carrot, Potato Wedge, Egg, Rice and Lunch Soup.

Scraping away the Demiglace sauce reveals the fatty meat textures of the Roast Pork. Well, the roast Pork was more of Braised Pork actually.

It melts in the mouth.

Spaghetti Set Lunch - B ($5.98++)

This is such strong Parmesan Cheese smelling dish; if you like.

A plateful of Mushroom with Tomato Sauce Spaghetti, include Lunch Soup and Mini Salad as a Set.

Chilled Mini Salad (included in Spaghetti Set B)

There you have it.

Set lunches for 3 with free flow of plain water at $23.70 only! Else, add just $1.50++ per person for unlimited flow of beverage (both hot & cold) from their drinks counter.

Whoever says Italian and Japanese food had to be expensive?
If you go simple :)

The Palette

We were in the mood for some quiet time together as it's been a busy week for Ric and myself; having so much to convey to each other.

Thus, it's a good idea to drive in to the solitary of NTU campus for a quiet dinner, away from the weekend crowds.

The Palette is a spacious, clean and bright Western Cafe in NTU NorthSpine that offers value-for-money Set Meals throughout the day.

Did i mention it having a nice view of Sunset :)

Day Soup - Vegetable Chicken Soup.

This lightly salted, clear soup comes with Ric's order of the Grilled Chicken Set.

It was a comfort drinking the warm soup that have plenty of Vegetables and bits of Chicken pieces.

Grilled Black Pepper Chicken Set ($5.60)

Being a Self-service ordering Cafe, this chunky piece of deboned Chicken thigh was a delight to perceive as Ric walks back to our window side table with it in hand :)

Fresh seasonal Vegetables and crisp-fried Potato Wedges as sides, i was impressed.

The Set comes with a choice Soft Drink, Coffee or Tea. Super!

Spaghetti Carbonara + Soft Drink ($4.50)

The simply adorned Spaghetti dish pales in comparison. Its pitiable ingredients used and plainly seasoned Cream Sauce makes it almost unappetizing.

Else, it was great.

Given other choice of Spaghetti on the promotion list (Chicken Bolognaise, Penne Arrabiata, Aglio Olio and Chicken Mushroom Baked Rice), i still may consider giving it another chance here ;)

Finally, my Orchid blooms again.

After the mother-plant dies off earlier last year, i've transplanted its 'babies' to 2 pots.

This week, just prior to our nation 44th birthday, 1 of the pot decides to flower!

A petite stalk of 2 blooms; but i'm more than satisfied to know that the plant is capable of blooming! And is alive...

Hokkien Street Bat Koot Teh

It's amusing to note how Bak Kut Teh is spelled differently on every hawker stalls in Singapore :)

In Hong Lim Food Centre today, we had our first try of stall #01-136, that reads "Hokkien Street Bat Koot Teh, Turtle Soup" as its neighbour "Morning Bah Kut Tea" was closed.

We have got to be forgiving to these spelling boo-boo. Because if the hawkers could read and write then, they wouldn't be cooking delicious legendary dishes for us today. Right?

Pig Trotters ($4)

Bak Kut Teh ($4)

Pig Liver Soup ($3)

Mom was with us today and the Pig Liver Soup was specially ordered for her Iron built-up and body nourishment.

It was also a timely coincident that "Morning Bah Kut Tea" stall was closed today, as we find its Soup too salty for our family taste buds.

Mum qualify today's soup; and as according to our family "Chief Chef", she finds it definitely aromatic and at an unbeatable pricing ;)

It's a Bakers World!

Another dessert recommendation from Dasmond Koh's TV programme "Driving Miss Foodie"

Ric hunt down the wholesales shop of "Bakers World LLP" that's secreted among rows of private terrace houses - as a surprise for my afterwork :)

Forestberry Cheese Mousse (1 box $4.50)

American Cheese & Oreo Cheese Cake (1 box $3.50, 3 for $10)

Avocado Cake (1 box $3.50, 3 for $10)

Chocolate Truffle Cake (1 box $3.50, 3 for $10)

All the above comes in full size of a rectangle slab, like the above pic of the Chocolate Truffle but we've halved everything to share. It's well-worth the effort, really. The cakes were scrumptious; tasting is believing. Cheap & very Good to sum it all.

Just do a walk-in.
Plenty of cakes for selection; they have got 16 flavors on their list.

Bakers World LLP
15-8 Jalan Riang
Serangoon Park
Opening Hours: 12-7pm, Closes on Sun.

Tel: 9862 8628 (Patrick), 9710 7345 (Eric)
Email: bakersworld28@yahoo.com

Tomato Cream Pasta

I think i'm getting this quite right by now (my previous cooking is disastrous). Too much variation from recipes is really not recommended.

Still, i've omitted the alcohol element this time; no Vodka ;) Try following the Step-by-step illustrations here for this Tomato Cream-Based Pasta.

I love Tomato; i love Cream.
I'm bent on perfecting this recipe!

Bless my Guinea Pigs - Mom & Ric :)

Gin-Ger-Ale Drink

I've just gotten back a brand new Locman watch, the "Latin Lover" from its local AD today! Weee... i love my new oversized watch.

Despite this gift from Ric, i had a heated argument with him; i'm one ungrateful brat :( We need some cooling off...

Ingredients:
2 parts Gin
5 parts Ginger Ale

Stir well, garnish with a Lime Wedge (if you like), and serve.

This colorless concoct of Gin with Ginger Ale can never goes wrong.
And yes! Always topped Gin with loads of Ice!

Ric loves Ginger Ale.

辉记，Pork Jelly & Ribs

We were at Hong Lim Food Centre, a place famous for many delicious food and we do not know what to have? Because most our favourite stalls had such long queues and seats were limited.

Grabbing a convenient seat for a drink, we saw our nearby tables ordering from 辉记 (#02-34), a stall well-known for selling Teochew delicacies of Chilled Pig Trotters and Chilled Shark Meat.

Chilled, certainly had that squeamish factor. But these dishes just aren’t that easy to find in Singapore anymore. And they are traditional Teochew Signatures you ought to try.

Cold Pig Trotters, 猪脚冻 ($4, onwards)

Served well-chilled, on a plate of ice. These Jelly-like pieces goes best with the accompanied sweet chili sauce with toppings of crushed Peanuts. Yum... a great Appetizer.

Pork Belly, Pork Ribs and Tau Pok (Our 2-pax meal cost $14.20 in all)

And what entices me is really its Braised Pork Ribs; and i was right. It's simply O-delicious...

For our future order, we may just skip the Pork Belly and goes straight for their Pork Ribs and Yam Rice! And of course, the Appetizer of either the Chilled Pig Trotters or Shark Meat ;)

Mee... Halal

Finally back at Blk 49, Stirling Road for my little Muslim Noodle fare!

Mee Soto ($2)

The Chili here adds a punch! The soup goes well with the Chili, it tantalises the tastes bud and yet not empowering; you could still detect the sweetness of the Chicken stock.

A recommendation for clearing your blocked nose from Flu :)

Mee Rebus ($2)

As reviewed on my previous visit, read here. Am excited simply by the smell and texture of its Peanut gravy...

Missing its Lotong that's not on sales today.

You may wish to note that this stall pump up on MSG. We were desiccated by our morning breakfast here.

Buffet Lunch at Tiffany

Of the many 1-for-1 Buffet promotions this season, our best bet would still be that of the Saltwater Cafe and Melting Pot. But by the spirit of blogging, new subject had to be introduced.

So today, we venture to the 1-for-1 Halal certified Buffet promotion at the Tiffany Cafe in Furama City Centre, priced $32.80++ per person.

Sashimi (Octopus, Tuna, Swordfish, Salmon)

We know it's the wrong way of eating Sashimi by mixing Wasabi pasta with the Soy Sauce, but we simply love doing it. Itadakimasu ;)

Garden Salad.

Seafood Salad (Baby Octopus, Prawns, Mussels and Clams)

These Seafood tastes so good; i had a few plateful following this. Especially love having them with the Thai Spice Dipping Sauce provided.

Sad to say, these are the best item in today's buffet.

Thai Vermicelli Salad with Prawns.

Other Appetizer & Starters: Milestone Soup, Herbal Chicken Soup, Tuna Broccoli, Achar Pickle, Marinated Jelly Fish, HK Siew Mai, Har Gao, Chicken Pau and Puffs.

Satay Bee Hoon (DIY Station).

Ayam Rendang with Crushed Herbs.

Other Cooked Food: Pan Fried Ee Noodle, Butter Baked Potato, Fried Prawns Fritters, Beef Goulash, Cereal Prawns and "Chef Special Fish".

Special mention of the 'Chef Special Fish', it was actually Pan Fried Dory Fish slices that's been marinated with beaten Eggs and Ginger juice, but it tastes like Carrot Cake!?

Sayur Lodeh "Coconut Vegetable Curry"

I had this light savory Vegetable stew with their serving of Thai Olive Rice, which was palatable. By this time, i was already quite disappointed with the spread of the Buffet menu and had convinced myself to be satisfied with filling myself with its rather nice Olive Rice.

Not that the spread was limited; it's the quality of cooking that disappoint.

It was however commendable that Tiffany highlighted Thai cuisine in their International Buffet theme. The spiciness in Thai cuisine draws similarity to Malay cooking, thus satisfying the crowd of Halal food goers here.

Chocolate Fondue.

Impressive spread of Strawberries, Marshmallows, Dried Apricots, Cookies, Prunes and Grapes for the dip. But by the time we were ready for Dessert, the Strawberries were all gone, substituted by preserved Cherries :(

Chocolate Cake, with Cherry from Chocolate Fountain.

Mango Pudding.

Chocolate and Vanilla Ice-Cream.

The Dessert section was yet another disappointment. We couldn't even count on the whole cakes which simply tastes floury, try the small cut pieces of cakes instead.

Without a doubt, we wouldn't be hurrying back here.

Afterthought, Jackson's Memorial

Michael Jackson, our Moonwalker passed on us on the 25 June '2009.

Tens of millions tuned into his memorial service at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on 7 July, 2009 (Tues).

People like you and me who had been apathetic all these while, read into special edited reports of his life story on Magazines and Dailies...

It was only when one's depart that we laments the lost... and i was never an ardent fan of Michael.

As kids, we were simply awed by his dance moves, the majestic welcome he received everywhere and of course, learning "We are the World" during our School Choir lessons.



The song, extremely moving as rendered by numerous performing artists; so is Michael's Memorial.

Michael's family and friends had shown us how we had all liked to be remembered when we are gone. And to have that, make a difference in each their life; just as what Michael had done.

This reminds me, "When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so that when you die, you're the one smiling and everyone around you is crying."
I believe he had done just that.

Michael, be it your God's bestowed gift of music and talent, your highly publicized personal life or scandals. We had just wished to remember you for your innocent smiles, your dance moves and the delights you brought us with your music.

You are a legend, regardless.
RIP.

Karsk - Coffee Gin

Karsk, as read in Uncyclopedia is the national drink in a part of Norway called Trøndelag. It consists of strong Alcohol and Coffee.

The recipe says a 50% Alcohol and 50% Coffee will do, but i'm using much lesser here. About 20% of Gin is already giving us a heavy spray of Alcohol from the steaming Coffee.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup Strong, heavy Coffee (Hot)
1/2 cup Vodka (Or any pure Alcohol, 40-50%)

Instructions:
If your Coffee is too hot, let it cool down a bit before mixing with the Alcohol (you wouldn't want your Alcohol to turn into steam).
Mix and drink.

A traditional Norwegian beverage.

Steaming Coffee Cocktail; just right for the all day rain.
The effect of hot Coffee further drives the Alcohol burning down your throat, reaching your Lungs...

Roti Prata, Ah Pong?

I have always thought Roti Prata can be understood by the name 'Ah Pong'. 'Ah Pong' is what we used to refer it to since young, under influence from my parents.

This was until friends give me that funny look, 'What's Ah Pong?'

Well, Roti Prata, the flour Pancake is something we would forever not grew out of. We especially loved it with Sugar and Curry, even just plainly by its own.

With a pack of Supermart purchased Instant Roti Prata, i prepared the above for Lunch for Mum and myself. My 1st try at Instant Roti Prata, and am sceptical about it actually...

Melted some Butter on the Frying Pan and following the instructions on its packaging was simple enough though.

It's easy, delicious and fun :)

Do you know Roti Prata by 'Ah Pong'?

Rambutan? Pulasan?

Third Aunt brought us many fruits today after her visit to the Jurong West Fruit market. Durians (one of my favourite), Mangosteen, Duku Langsat and Rambutans alike Pulasan!?

My first encounter with Pulasan today...

Instead of being hairy like the Rambutan, it is softly blunt-thorny?

It has a firmer texture compared to Rambutans but is generally sweeter. You would also notices that its flesh separates much easier from its seed than the Rambutans.

And, a word of caution from my home elderly, "Never have Durian with Mangosteen."

Myth or Truth? And why? We never know, but it's just seems best to take heed to advise of good intentions.

BreadTalk - Japanese Sweet Potato

We were drawn into our 'long-lost' Breadtalk shop by its 9th Anniversary Promotion Posters that reads "$9 for any 10 Buns".

Valid from 9-14 July. That means starting today!
Take a look.

Japanese Sweet Potato ($1.30)

And there's a gem, i tell you.

They have this new item of Japanese Sweet Potato Bun that's in guise of actual Sweet Potato! But it's a Bun, alright.

Lightly floured flaky textured Bun with rich filling of mashed Sweet Potato that oozes with each bite.

Winning delights from Mum.
Simple Joy. Pure Bliss.

Swensen 1-for-1 Extended.

Swensen Restaurant extended its 1-for-1 Lunch Promotion till end August '09. So the crowd is back at its Funan IT Mall outlet. We took the chance to savor whichever we have yet had from its A-la-carte menu ;)


Beef Lasagna ($13.90++)

The beautifully painted plate of Beef Lasagna had juicy Minced Beef between layers of Pasta and Spinach, accompanied with piquant Tomato Sauce and Cream.

Yes, it tastes as good as it looks. I can't believe we actually wipe the plate dry!

Breaded Chicken Meuniere ($13.90++)

Mildly marinated Chicken Cutlet, deep fried and served sizzling hot from the Fryer with U.S. Fries and Coleslaw. A mediocre fare but outstanding in its crisp cooking and luscious Chicken part used.

Till today, Swensen had not disappoint. Thumb Up.